Killarney Golf Club

County Kerry

Golf started in Killarney in 1891 when a 9-hole layout was built on the estate of the Earl of Kenmare. In 1930, the earl's son and heir, Lord Castlerosse, founded Killarney Golf Club Ltd., which bought 250 acres of the 125,000 acre estate. A newspaperman and an avid golfer, Castlerosse hired Sir Guy Campbell to design an 18-hole course in 1939 with Henry Longhurst's assistance. In 1968, long after Castlerosse's death, the Irish Tourist Board purchased 500 acres, allowing the club to expand to 36 holes. With its opening in 1971, Mahony's Point, largely the product of a local named Dr. Billy O'Sullivan, joined Killeen, which Eddie Hackett designed earlier, to give the club 36 holes of championship and club level golf.

The jewel in Killarney’s crown, re-opened in 2006 offering both spectacular lakeside scenery and also challenging golf to long hitters with water features on nearly every hole and fast greens. Nick Faldo, on winning the first of his two successive Irish Opens in 1991, was one of only three players to finish under par. That was before the changes in 2006 which will provide an even tougher challenge. Tight tree lined fairways with water features on nearly every hole require accurate golf. Large, fast undulating greens, add challenge in equal measure to the beauty of this course.

Mahoney's Point

The shortest of the three courses is a lakeside course with spectacular views including the famous, breathtaking 18th described by Gene Sarazen as “one of the most memorable holes in the world”. This would be considered to be the course most suited to all levels of golfer. It is the shortest of the three courses with wide fairways and large flat greens. However well positioned bunkers and water hazards ensure that there is enough danger to spoil a good round.